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British author Rowling at a premiere in London in 2018
Photo: Joel C Ryan / dpa
»Harry Potter« author Joanne K. Rowling has founded an aid organization for victims of sexual violence.
Beira's Place is a response to popular demand for an all-female support, the writer said.
The free help is aimed at all women in the Edinburgh area who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
"I founded Beira's Place to meet what I feel is an unmet need for women in the Lothian region," the 57-year-old told journalist Suzanne Moore.
"As a survivor of sexual assault, I know how important it is for survivors to have the opportunity for women-centered and women-provided care at such a difficult time."
The organization is named after the Scottish goddess of winter, Beira.
"Beira reigns over the dark half of the year and hands over to her sister Bride when summer returns," Rowling said.
»Beira stands for feminine wisdom, strength and regeneration.«
According to Forbes magazine, Rowling is the second best-paid writer after James Patterson.
Most recently, she had repeatedly attracted attention with statements that were criticized as hostile to trans people.
For example, she criticized a planned change in the law in Scotland that would allow trans people to change their gender entry without a medical certificate.
The application period for this should also be significantly reduced.
aeh/dpa